Ding - “…Most JWs assume it's always been that way.”
Let’s be honest.
It has.
😏
Thought on “0 hours” reporting
by FFGhost 83 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Vidiot
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Anony Mous
@Journeyman: I know lots of pioneers and others that would count all forms of ministry. Even giving talks, especially at the convention, was counted.
I remember one of the last congregations I visited, they would start by going out driving for like 15 minutes to a house, go to a breakfast place for an hour or so with like 25 people, leave a tract, go out for another 15 minutes, have lunch, go out for 15 minutes, drive an hour to the other end of the territory for a return visit, drive back for another hour, go for coffee and baked goods at a local bakery. We went to maybe 4-5 houses and counted 8 hours of ministry, easily spent $20-30 on food. Coming from Europe, that kind of ministry was FUN!
The congregation was FULL of pioneers, until one CO came from California, vegetarian, he gave a talk during the elder meeting how our elders were FAT (they were, really) and then after about 2 or 3 visits he demoted every elder that didn’t lose some weight. He forced the pioneers out in the middle of winter for hours, one girl had blisters on her face from the cold. That congregation went from 5 special pioneers, 40 pioneers and a rotation of auxiliary pioneers to less than 10 in no time.
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blondie
Anony Mous, that is an accurate of how pioneers and others would "count" time. I felt uncomfortable doing that as well as another woman, so we would go together just us 2. I was even counseled once, for not going with the group though the elders knew this was going on, and even suggested that this procedure be followed, wow! As to being demoted for being fat, that was decided mostly behind the scenes, and was not officially required by the WTS, they would just come up with another more plausible reason. That happened to 2 elders I knew. Though the man (brother) living at the assembly hall to oversee immediate needs or provide security, was 5'6 and weighed about 230 pounds, he was not removed. This is how the WTS does a dance around, they focus on that because someone is overweight does not mean they are a "glutton" which is the term used in the bible W08 9/15 p. 23 "Gluttony is a mental attitude, one marked by greedy or excessive indulgence. Thus, it is determined, not by someone’s size, but by his attitude toward food. A person may be of normal size, or even be thin, and yet be a glutton. On the other hand, in some cases being overweight is the result of an ailment, or hereditary factors may contribute to obesity. A key issue is whether a person, whatever his or her weight, is excessively greedy as regards eating.—also
W04 11/1 p. 31
Part of article: "For example, obesity may be a sign of gluttony, but that is not always the case. One’s being overweight may be the result of an ailment. Hereditary factors may also contribute to obesity. We should also keep in mind that obesity is a physical condition, while gluttony is a mental attitude. Obesity is defined as “a condition characterized by excessive bodily fat,” whereas gluttony is “greedy or excessive indulgence.” Thus, gluttony is not determined by someone’s size but by his attitude toward food. A person may be of normal size or may even be thin and yet be a glutton. Furthermore, what is viewed as the ideal weight or shape varies considerably from place to place.
What are signs of gluttony? A glutton routinely shows a lack of restraint, even gorging himself on food to the point of feeling very uncomfortable or becoming sick. His lack of self-control indicates that he has no real concern about the reproach he brings upon Jehovah and the good reputation of His people. (1 Corinthians 10:31) On the other hand, a person who overeats on a few occasions would not automatically be viewed as a “greedy person.” (Ephesians 5:5) Nevertheless, in the spirit of Galatians 6:1, such a Christian might need help. Paul states: “Brothers, even though a man takes some false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness.”"
Just reporting, not supporting
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no-zombie
While I'm not a believer the 'fat gene' theory, after having someone I know literally eating themselves to death, I'm more inclined to view people who are super-super obese (yes that is a medical term) as people who have a mental disorder, and as such should outside of the judicial process.
However, if the Governing Body produced articles will a little more research and depth, they could correctly explain the sin of gluttony through the roman practice of purging while feasting. As the wealthy would vomit a full stomach (sometimes not even privately) to continue eating. From this, it is easy to understand that a Christian practicing shear wantonness, would affront 'the God who gives all things' and those in the congregation who had too little.